Written by Louis DeNicola
Updated Sep 23 | 6 minute read
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers programs that support millions of Americans, including retirement, disability and healthcare benefits. Whether you're applying for benefits, approaching retirement age or planning for the future, keeping track of your Social Security information is an important part of financial planning. One way to do this is with a my Social Security account. Here's how to create one.
Visit the SSA's website and select the “Create an Account" option to begin.
Previously, you could create a my Social Security account with a username and password. Now you must use a Login.gov or ID.me account to access your my Social Security account.
If you already have one of these accounts, you can sign in and agree to the terms and conditions to create and access your new my Social Security account.
If you don't have either type of account, you'll need to create one to get started.
Login.gov is a federal service that allows you to securely access accounts and services from multiple government agencies. ID.me is a private service that government agencies have approved for identity verification and authentication.
With either service, you'll choose a username and password for your account. You may also need to select an additional authentication method, such as an authentication app, text message, fingerprint, face unlock or security key.
The next step is to verify your identity, which generally involves:
If you can't do this with your phone, you may also be able to bring your identity document to a participating post office to verify your identity in person.
Once your Login.gov or ID.me account is ready, you can use it to set up your my Social Security account by reviewing and agreeing to the terms and conditions. You may also need to enter an activation code that you received by mail, text or automated voice call if you used Login.gov.
You won't need to verify your identity again to access your my Social Security account. But you will need to log in to your Login.gov or ID.me account, and you may need to authenticate yourself again using the authentication method you chose.
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A my Social Security account is an online account that you can use to apply for and manage Social Security benefits, update your preferences and plan for the future.
To qualify for a my Social Security account, you must:
Once you create an account, you can use it to check your earnings history, estimate future benefits and update preferences, such as how you receive new notifications.
Once you're set up, you can log in to your account to learn more about your Social Security benefits and change your preferences.
For example, you can:
The additional features will vary depending on whether you're receiving Social Security benefits or not.
You can use your my Social Security account to:
Even if you aren't currently receiving benefits, you may want an online account to:
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Creating and monitoring your my Social Security account can be a relatively easy way to ensure your wages are correctly reported to the SSA, plan for retirement, check your benefits and update your preferences.
Regularly reviewing your account can also help you spot suspicious activity, such as unusual earnings or benefits. These could be signs that you're a victim of identity theft, and you'll want to take steps to correct these errors.
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A Social Security account is not the same as a 401(k), IRA or other type of retirement account. Social Security retirement benefits can help eligible people cover living expenses during retirement. But the SSA also administers other types of benefits, such as SSI and SSDI benefits.
Yes, immigrants and noncitizens who are authorized to work in the U.S. can receive a Social Security number and have a Social Security account. These residents pay into the Social Security system when they're employed, and lawfully admitted noncitizens are also eligible for some Social Security benefits.
If you spot errors in your record, gather evidence of the error and contact the SSA by phone, by mail, online or in person. For example, if your record is missing earnings, you could submit previous tax forms or pay stubs with the correct amount as proof.
Use a strong password that you don't use with any other websites to help keep your account safe. Also, opt for one of the safer identity authentication methods, such as fingerprint or face unlock, instead of receiving codes by email or text. The SSA also shares some tips on detecting and avoiding phishing scams that could put your account at risk.
Setting up and monitoring your my Social Security account can help you review your record, update your information, apply for benefits and protect against identity theft. It's free and easy to get started, and a helpful tool whether you're currently receiving benefits or planning for the future.
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Louis DeNicola is a freelance writer who specializes in consumer credit, finances and fraud. He has several credit-related certifications and works with many lenders, publishers, credit bureaus, Fortune 500s and fintech startups. Outside of work, you can often find Louis at his local climbing gym or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.